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Email: info@cpccivils.net Phone: 0121 766 7019
Company No: 033 623 96
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Design by eSterling
Project Value
£16m
Client Name
Kier
Project Type
Waterway Engineering
Faringdon to Blusdon Pipeline
CPC Civils is proud to have delivered a significant package of works on behalf of Kier, supporting their £45 million project for Thames Water to construct a new 13.7km water pipeline between Faringdon and Blunsdon, near Swindon.
Faringdon to Blusdon Pipeline -Project Overview
Our scope of work, valued at £16 million, formed a key part of this vital infrastructure scheme.
The project, which began in May 2021, is now in its final stages, with the pipeline set to come into service this spring and overall completion expected by August.
The new pipeline will strengthen the resilience of Swindon’s water network, reduce leakage, and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality drinking water for the local population, meeting the region’s growing demand.
During the early phases of the project, CPC identified a significant risk to delivery due to the limited availability and age of existing butt fusion equipment on site – only two manual machines were available, both around 30 years old and with ongoing reliability concerns.
To mitigate this, CPC took the initiative to invest in a brand new, fully automatic TracStar McElroy 1200i butt fusion machine.
We were proud to be the first in the UK to bring this advanced technology into operation, and the results were immediate: the new machine significantly reduced welding times and enhanced overall efficiency, ultimately allowing us to complete our works ahead of programme.
CPC’s delivery was carried out with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship, working closely with Kier to overcome complex engineering challenges while minimising impact on the surrounding landscape.
This project showcases CPC Civils’ capability in delivering complex infrastructure solutions in partnership with Tier 1 contractors, while maintaining our core values of quality, collaboration, and community.
Faringdon to Blusdon Pipeline -Project Aims and Objectives
The project involved the construction of a new 13.7km water pipeline between Faringdon and Blunsdon, delivered on behalf of Kier for Thames Water. The main objectives were to:
- Improve network resilience by creating a new water transfer route to support the Swindon area.
- Reduce leakage and burst frequency in a region with a history of pipe failures.
- Enhance water supply capacity to meet current and future demand across Swindon and surrounding communities.
- Protect the local environment by reducing dependency on sensitive groundwater sources and chalk streams during periods of high demand.
- Deliver with minimal disruption, adapting the route to avoid areas of archaeological interest.
- Complete efficiently and ahead of programme, thanks to innovations such as the introduction of a new McElroy 1200i butt fusion machine.
Faringdon to Blusdon Pipeline – Project Challenges
Ageing Equipment Risk
Only two manual butt fusion machines were available at the start of the project, both around 30 years old. Their reliability posed a major risk to productivity and programme delivery.
Complex Logistics Over 13.7km
Coordinating the installation of a long-distance pipeline across varied terrain required careful planning, sequencing, and access management.
Archaeological Sensitivity
The route passed through areas of significant archaeological interest, including Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon remains. Route changes and careful excavation were necessary to preserve heritage.
Environmental Constraints
The works had to be delivered with minimal impact on local ecology, including protection of chalk streams and groundwater sources.
Programme Pressure
Delivering within a tight timeframe required efficient working, continuous progress, and high productivity across multiple fronts.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Maintaining positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders, while managing disruption and access along the route, was vital throughout delivery.
Project Outcomes and Values
We completed the project ahead of programme and got the main into service ahead of schedule.
The scheme also delivered benefits beyond engineering, with community initiatives including volunteering days at local charity and supplying local businesses with defibrillators.
